here’s always a question mark in many Mac users’ minds over whether they need to run anything to protect them from malware. What should be obvious, however, is there are lots of threats out there, and some that are specific to Mac. Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac is a comprehensive suite designed to protect against malware, phishing attacks, and pretty much everything else. The anti-malware capabilities protects you from existing threats, and in our tests detected everything we threw at it – with the exception of a few ancient Mac OS 9 viruses that won’t pose a threat to a new Mac.
Web-based threats are also covered. It includes a URL advisor that tells you when you’re about to visit a known dodgy site, and also scans traffic to assess if a site is attempting to deliver malicious JavaScript or other code.
Probably the best feature, though, is the parental controls. As well as a limit on what kind of sites someone can visit, this includes a time-based control, allowing you to set a limit on hours online, and a schedule of times when the internet can be used, or both. You can also monitor activity on social networks, including logging any communications your children get and blocking messaging with specific users.
KEY INFO
Developer: Kaspersky Labs
Price: £39.99 (per year); £49.99 for three computers
REQUIREMENTS
OS: OS X 10.6 or later
Requires: 1GB RAM, 350MB hard disk space
Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac
Amazon.com
- Uses real-time, proactive and cloud technologies to detect new, emerging and unknown threats
- safeguards your digital identity and privacy
- Identifies suspicious and phishing websites
